Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has emphasized that being a Member of Parliament should not prevent law enforcement agencies from taking action against them. He made these comments on Joy News' PM Express on Tuesday, following a controversy over an attempted arrest involving an MP and officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The incident involved an MP and EOCO officials, with a video showing the officer involved being polite and civil towards the MP. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the officer was a legitimate law enforcement official deployed to monitor the MP. He stated that the officer did not pose any threat to the MP and was essentially doing a mea culpa and begging the MP to come with her.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also revealed that EOCO had deployed a tactical team capable of forcibly apprehending the MP if necessary. The team was officially instructed to surveil the individual and determine if it was opportune to apprehend him or invite him. He acknowledged that questions could be raised about the officer's approach but said the incident should not automatically be blamed on the government.
The Government Spokesperson challenged the growing perception that law enforcement agencies require presidential approval before arresting politically exposed persons. He asked if they need to seek the president's permission to arrest everybody. According to him, the same principle should apply to MPs, and parliamentary membership should not become a barrier to law enforcement.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that MPs should not receive special treatment in criminal investigations. He stated that there should be no difference between a coconut seller and an MP when it comes to law enforcement, unless elitism is to be promoted. He also emphasized that his own position would remain the same even though he is an MP.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged the constitutional protection concerning MPs while traveling to and from Parliament. However, he noted that this protection should not be used to shield MPs from law enforcement. He called for an end to the practice of MPs using their status to prevent lawful action by security agencies.
The comments by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu come as there have been concerns about the relationship between law enforcement agencies and politically exposed persons. His stance has sparked a conversation about the need for accountability and the rule of law to apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their status.
Key points
- - MP status should not shield anyone from law enforcement. - Law enforcement agencies do not require presidential approval to arrest individuals. - Constitutional protection for MPs only applies while they are traveling to and from Parliament.
